Solar heating contractors and installers in are becoming increasingly busy as the demand for solar thermal systems grows.
What Is A Solar Thermal System?
Solar thermal systems, or solar heating systems, capture the power of the sun to heat water or to provide heat for homes and other inhabited buildings. Each function operates differently.
Passive Thermal Systems
Passive thermal systems are very simple to set up and operate. Basically, the sun’s heat is captured in a passive manner and used to heat a specific space. Passive thermal collectors are usually an important part of a building’s design, and they are specifically designed just for the purpose of creating light and heat. Natural sunlight is one of the best ways to provide lighting in a home or office setting – it helps to keep power costs down, and it also helps people to feel good. If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), natural sunlight can make all the difference.
Passive thermal systems can be installed in existing homes; a solar heating contractor can go over your options with you.
Other Solar Thermal Systems
There are various types of solar thermal systems used to heat water. Some are designed for heating a specific amount of hot water each day, and are usually located on a home’s rooftop or other location that gets plenty of exposure to sunlight. These systems can get water very hot, and a special storage area is required.
If you have a swimming pool, you can greatly reduce the amount of money it costs to heat it by installing a solar thermal system that is specially designed to heat pool water. Pool water is pumped through the solar thermal system, and is maintained at the designated temperature.
The use of solar thermal systems can greatly offset the cost of heating water. You can still take advantage of traditional water heating methods during times when the sun is not generating enough; so avoid feeling as if you will have to rely solely on the sun for hot water if you install a thermal system. It is just another great way to take advantage of the power the sun offers for free!
Solar heating contractors are familiar with the many unique challenges that can present themselves when installing solar thermal systems in an existing home. Your contractor will be happy to help you to make the most of the sun’s energy.